Pittsburgh Review

Before spending last season with St. Louis, Kevin Hayes played virtually his entire career in the Metropolitan Division. The 6-foot-5 forward spent parts of five seasons with the Rangers and four with the Flyers.

Now, he is back in the East after being acquired by the Penguins from the Blues, this time with a franchise Hayes was used to battling with his previous clubs.

"It's kinda funny how the two teams I played for are huge rivals with Pittsburgh," Hayes said. "There was always kind of a low-key hatred there when you were on these teams, and now it's the complete opposite, where I have that hatred towards the other teams. It's very exciting. Eager to get this season started to kind of show I can still play in this league, and be part of a winning team."

After the trade, Hayes spoke with Penguins President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas, who believes the 32-year-old veteran can benefit from a fresh start in Pittsburgh.

"We know that it didn't go well or as planned for him last year in St. Louis, both for he and the team," Dubas said after getting Hayes and a 2025 second-round pick for future considerations, with the Flyers retaining 50% of his salary ($7 million AAV) from a previous transaction.

"He becomes available, and so we're excited to get to work with him. He's been an impactful player in the league for many years in New York and Philadelphia. So, we'll get to work with Kevin, get him rolling, and look forward to that."

Hayes had a strong start to the 2022-23 campaign with the Flyers, being named an All-Star. While he finished with 18 goals, the third-highest total of his career after hitting 20 twice (2017-18,'19-20), Hayes wasn't thrilled with how he ended the year. His struggles then carried over into the next one.

"I felt like last year, I couldn't really find a role in St. Louis to play my best hockey," Hayes said. "I don't want to say they were going into a rebuild because I don't think they are, and I know when that was said last year, the guys in the locker room didn't really appreciate it. I just didn't really fit into their plan, I guess."

As for how Hayes fits into the plan here, his specific role has yet to be determined, with Dubas leaving that up to Head Coach Mike Sullivan. But they do envision Hayes as a center to start since he's spent most of his career there.

"I kind of like the responsibility and being able to generate speed from the lower end of the ice to get me going up," Hates said before adding: "I'm comfortable playing both (center and wing). I think I'll be playing with some elite players to start the season so I don't really care where I'll be playing."

Sidney Crosby is someone Hayes can’t wait to learn from.

"I've gone to meet Sid a few times, gone to a wedding with him sat next to him at the All-Star game… just over the years have gotten to know him by playing against him and having some mutual friends," Hayes said. "I'm really excited to kind of see his day-to-day attack. I've heard nothing but great things about how much of a pro he is."

The longevity of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang impresses Hayes whose goal is to remain in NHL as long as possible.

To do that Hayes needs certain comfortability level He also believes building right relationship coaching staff big key along ability play all situations maybe adopting more shoot-first versus pass-first mentality

Coming third team last three years not necessarily easy but choosing use motivation instead shot ego

"I'm pretty confident person" Hayes said "I've been league pretty long time I've had successful seasons know what need make sure game works league think good opportunity Pittsburgh do"